Page 32 of Rear View
I forced back the dark laugh that tried to tear its way out. Whether they were a thing or not, he either wanted her, or didn’t want anyone else to have her. I hated the guy on fuckin’ principle.
Chucking my chin Ryah’s way, I asked, “How ya feelin’?”
“Good.” She trailed a hand over her ribs. “Barely hurts anymore.”
“That campus security guy follow up about what happened?”
“Yeah, but it’s fine. I’m not gonna pursue it.”
I frowned. “You’re too nice.”
Zoya threw her hands up. “That’s whatIsaid!”
“R.J. can decide for herself,” Christian added.
R.J.?
Ryah shrugged. “I just don’t want the trouble.”
Somethin’ about the words hit different, like she’d meant them for another reason. I wanted to push, but the creases around her eyes held me back. If she didn’t wanna talk about it, I wasn’t in a place to make her.
“So.” I gestured around. “What d’ya think?”
“This is something,” she said, her expression eager as she took the place in. “Have you always been into cars?”
Eager was good. I could work with that. “Pretty much, yeah.”
“What made you start racing?” Zoya asked.
Driving? That was another story. But racing… “I was offered a chance.” A damn good one I hadn’t been about to turn down.
Ryah tilted her head like she’d picked up that I’d left a hell of a lot out. She tugged the string on her hood. “Why rally?”
Good question, dream girl.That answer was tough, though, and not one I wanted to dive deep on with an audience. “I needed the challenge.”
Again, her brow furrowed like she caught the nuance.Needed.Not wanted.
“You plan to do this forever?” Christian asked.
The question was fine, but the condescending tone had my jaw working. “This ain’t a forever thing.”
“So, no long-term career goals, then?” A comment pretending to be a question.
“Christian!” Ryah scolded while Miles and Zoya mean-mugged the guy.
“What? I’m just asking.”
People could think what they wanted about me. Did I want respect? Yeah. I couldn’t give a shit about his, but overall, who didn’t? And I’d be damned if a slick prick like him would make me feel some kinda way about my life. I squared myself to him. “Win. That’s my goal. Get to the top of the WRC, then buy a team.” I cocked my head and gave him a “watch yourself” smirk. “That good enough for you?”
He lifted a shoulder and looked away.
Fuckin’. Dick.
Zoya squeaked and pointed across the way. “Is that a bathroom?”
I glanced over my shoulder. “Sure is.”
“I drank my weight in coffee before we came.” She grabbed Ryah’s wrist. “Come with me, please,” she said, draggin’ my girl away before she could say a word.
